Fish Sniffer On Demand Digital Edition Issue 3911 May 2020 | Page 9

May 2020 VOL.39 • ISS. 11 Boston Whaler Montauk available in 15’, 17’. 19’, and 21’ All in Stock Now!! As Requested by Local Governments, CDFW Delays Trout Season Openers Whaler 210 Montauk T Whaler 170 Montauk Whaler 190 Montauk Call for Details! (800) 726–2848 3908 (510) 533–9290 9 1926 – 2020 Your Bay Area Dealer For 94 Years 333 Kennedy Street Oakland, CA 94606 www.outboardmotorshop.com All Prices INCLUDE freight & prep, plus tax & license only. he CDFW has delayed the start of the trout opener in Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties and on the Downie River in Sierra County as requested by county officials due to the public health concerns of COVID-19 and limited heath care facil- ities in these counties. In addition, CDFW has temporarily postponed fishing on the North Fork Yuba River in Sierra County. The trout season was scheduled to open in these counties on Saturday, April 25. The delay to the opener extends through May 31, 2020. Specifically, this means all waters in Alpine, Inyo and Mono counties not currently open to fishing will remain closed to fishing through May 31. CDFW is also making minor adjustments to bag and possession limits in waters that are currently open for fishing to protect and conserve the existing fisheries that may be affected by increased angling pressure or harvest. Additionally, fishing is now temporarily suspended on the North Fork Yuba River from Yuba Pass downstream to the confluence with Goodyears Creek and the trout opener on the mainstem of the Downie River is delayed, both through May 31, 2020. CDFW had discussions with county leadership regarding trout fishing, which typically draws a high tourism influx to these counties. Local officials are concerned that people traveling to these areas to fish would exacerbate the transmis- sion of COVID-19 and put a strain on their healthcare systems. Further, all non-essen- tial businesses in these counties including lodging, dining and camping options are closed in compliance with state and local public health officers’ orders. “After talking with the county represen- tatives, we agreed this was a necessary step toward being responsive to local needs in this public health emergency,” said CDFW Director Bonham. “These counties asked for our help, and we responded.” These decisions do not affect the trout season in any other county. CDFW will provide accurate information for the angling public online or by phone at (916) 445-7600. Although these delays and temporary restrictions will affect anglers in the near term, CDFW is committed to making sure those fisheries are ready for anglers once these emergency regulations are lifted. This includes the CDFW commitment to stocking fish so that anglers will have access to those fish and likely amazing fishing in the very near future. On April 15, the California Fish and Game Commission authorized CDFW to temporarily delay, suspend or restrict recreational fishing if the director of CDFW, in consultation with the president of the Commission, finds that such action is necessary to protect against the threat from COVID-19 based on state, federal, local, and tribal public health guidance and public safety needs. Catch & Release Fishing! Hook More & Bigger Fish With Flies... Sponsored by Kiene’s Fly Shop 916-483-1222 • www.Kienesflyshop.com 9550 Micron Ave. Suite B • Sacramento, CA The Fall River: Epic Norcal Fly Fishing The Fall River is the legendary spring creek, that along with close by Hat Creek, was the seminal gestation point for the development of some of some of the finest fly tiers and most effective fly patterns of our time. The challenging reputation that the Fall River has earned over the years is true to say the least. In its slow moving crystal clear water the trout have plenty of time to give your fly a good look before making a decision to grab it. Matching the hatch isn’t as difficult on the Fall as it is on some of the other spring creeks as there are usually only one or two bugs hatching at any one time. During the summer months on the Fall River the bugs most commonly found hatching are either PMD (Pale Morning Dun) or BWO (Blue Wing Olive). Sometimes they both come off at the same time, but you still only have to pick from two when making a pattern selection. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll have patterns in your fly box that can cross over between the two species, such as the neutral colored Adams Parachute in addition to more specific patterns such as tan Para- chutes in size #16 & #18 to represent PMDs. You will also have patterns that represent transitional stages of these insects such as the Quigly Cripple or EC Caddis for example, in addition to their adult stages. Spinners are an important stage in the mayfly lifecycle that freestone fishermen often ignore, but on spring creeks it is imperative that you recognize their presence and fish accordingly. In normal years, by the middle of June, the Fall River’s river bottom is a carpet of weeds and the currents create lanes in the weeds where the fish hold so feeding your line and fly down that lane is where you are going to get the most grabs. Downstream presentations will give you the most success. As with dry flies, patterns for fishing below surface on the Fall River are simple as well. Two of the most successful patterns over the years have been local guide Carl Jaeger’s Fall River Leach and the venerable Hale Bop.